Common name:Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia 'Muskogee'

This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a popular tree which grows to 25' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with lavender flowers in the summer; leaves turn red in fall. It is mildew resistant and does well in areas with hot summers. Crape Myrtles bloom on new wood so prune in winter or early spring to increase flowering. - Carolyn Shaffer, Dudek and Associates

Common name:Silver Mound Artemisia
Botanical name:Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'

This mounding perennial will grow 1'-3' high and has medium-sized silvery white leaves with yellow and white flowers.

Common name:Heliotrope Black Beauty
Botanical name:Heliotropium arborescens 'Black Beauty'

'Black Beauty' is more upright in form than its cousins and has very dark, blue purple flowers.

Common name:Checkerbloom
Botanical name:Sidalcea malviflora

This native perennial will grow about 2' tall and 2' wide. It has lobed, dark green leaves with pinkish purple flowers that bloom in early spring. It prefers limited water in summer; it will come back with winter rains.

Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum

Clouds of single or double flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Foliage resembles ivy (pointed lobes) and are bright green and glossy. Ivy Geranium looks great in hanging baskets, window boxes or in planters. Do not use for erosion control.